Mikel Arteta does not want Gabriel Jesus to leave.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta does not want Gabriel Jesus to leave. | Getty Images
West Ham and Everton had been linked with interest in an Arsenal star who is not expected to be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazil international is yet to play this season due to an ACL injury but is tipped to return in mid December. Jesus has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal following the arrival of £55 million Viktor Gyokeres.
Kai Havertz and even Mikel Merino could also both be preferred to lead the line, which could leave Jesus struggling for minutes. It had been claimed that, ahead of the World Cup next year, the talisman could be allowed to leave Arsenal on loan to secure guaranteed game time.
Mikel Arteta blocks West Ham and Everton transfer enquiries
However, CaughtOffside now claims that won’t be the case and that Jesus remains part of Arteta’s first team plans once he is fit again. The Arsenal boss does not want to see injuries leave him with a lack of options up front as he looks to lead the side to the Premier League title.
The report adds that West Ham, Everton and Nottingham Forest had all made enquiries over a potential move for Jesus. There is also said to be interest from his home country of Brazil.
Prior to his injury in January, Jesus had been in a purple patch of form last December. After netting a hat-trick in a Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace, Arteta said: "The movement, the quality of his touches, the way he finished, his reactions - that is a big, big thing for him and the team.
"It is a big message for the team in that we have got Gabby back at his best. Playing at that level he can really deliver for us. Gabby is someone who wants to do more. He wants to work harder and help the team more in every way. Today it got rewarded."
The Gunners excel with strength in depth this season
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry praised Arsenal’s strength in depth this season last month. The injury to Jesus last season was one of the reasons why the Gunners fell away from the title race against Liverpool.
Henry said: "Arsenal have a lot of big chances to win things this year because the bench can change the game. Every time someone comes off the bench. they change the game for you.
"To win and go far and deep in every competition you need to have depth in your squad. You need to have guys who come on who don't think about being on the bench and cry about it. The group winning is the most important thing."
In other news, Arsenal star who Man City failed to sign hailed 'ultimate' player by Etihad insider.
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